Skills and Education to be discussed at Budget

If you’re worried about not having the right skills for certain jobs or that the job you do today may be a dying trade, then your worries will be quelled with this Monday’s Budget Announcement.

At the Institute of Policy Studies’ dialogue session on the future of skills training, Senior Minister of State for Law and Education Indranee Rajah revealed that this year’s Budget will address issues of building career paths, building apprenticeship models and lifelong learning. All of these as part of the SkillsFuture Council mandate.

“The overall thrust of it is making sure that Singaporeans are equipped for the future, making sure that they are equipped for jobs that are going to be constantly changing or jobs that may disappear, ensuring that Singaporeans are able to be relevant throughout life and giving them that assurance that there are opportunities,” said Ms Indranee.

She added that the budget will look at ensuring that workers are able to be equipped to cope with the kinds of jobs that the future economy will demand.

Ms Indranee, who is also a member of the council said: “One area the SkillsFuture Council is looking into, is a skills progression pathway, developed for specific sectors.”

The council’s aim is to give workers the chance to progress in their careers, based on skills acquired, and to promote social mobility.

“We want to create and make sure our system is such that no matter what your starting point, no matter what your background, you have a chance to progress provided that you do your part, with the right determination, right attitude, right sense of resilience. The Government does its part by providing the right framework, the right opportunity and the right support,” said Ms Indranee.

Ms Indranee highlighted that the SkillsFuture will look at allowing workers to progress in their job and getting additional training and skills. Beyond that, it also addresses social mobility and creates a structure and framework that allows people to move up and to do better and to progress irrespective of where they started.

Sounds like good news for those who are concerned about acquiring new skills for the changing job market!

Look out for the Budget 2015 announcement to be broadcast on 23 February 2015 at 3.30pm!